Coventry chemist among first in country to prescribe music for pain

LloydsPharmacy in Radford, Coventry, are piloting a new scheme where they prescribe soothing music to help make people feel better

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A chemist in Coventry is among the first in the country to prescribe music for aches and pains.

The LloydsPharmacy shop in Radford is recommending a good dose of pop as a new way of helping customers.

Staff are now handing out a list of five pain-easing tunes – including Simon and Garfunkel, Elton John and Robbie Williams – along with people’s prescriptions.

The unusual idea is to promote the power of music in alleviating pain through relaxation.

As one of only four pilot areas in the country, Coventry is among the first to trial the innovative Lloyds Pharmacy scheme to advise on alternative methods of pain relief.

The chain already runs a free in-store pain service across its stores to support the millions of people who live with chronic pains nationwide.

Now the store in Jubilee Crescent has music recommendations in its medicine cabinets.

Kajal Ruda, a pharmacist at Lloyds-Pharmacy in Coventry, is delighted the city has been selected to try out the initiative.

She said: “Music isn’t a cure but it does alleviate pain. It works as a distraction and releases endorphins which relax you and make you feel good.

“Music has always been used, for example when women are in labour or when someone’s having surgery under general anaesthetic.

“We wanted to help the ten million people that suffer with pains every day.

“It’s such a big problem and one where we can help a lot of people to manage their pain better.”

The five chart-toppers on the list were the most popular song choices of more than 1,500 people suffering with long-term pains. They were quizzed about their favourite pain alleviating tracks for a nationwide survey.

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel took the number one spot, with Angels by Robbie Williams in second place.

Fleetwood Mac’s Albatross, Candle in the Wind by Elton John and Easy by the Commodores, also made the list.

It is aimed at people suffering chronic pains who, once they have explained the severity and nature of their condition in store, will be asked whether they have considered listening to music.

The list is also available to customers over the counter.

Andrew Mawhinney, LloydsPharmacy pharmacist and pain expert, said: “There are lots of different ways of managing pain, not only with medicines but also with lifestyle changes such as moderate exercise and relaxation.

“After speaking to many people who are living with pain we were interested to learn just how many found music beneficial, which is why we’re now trialing the use of music within our pain service in some of our pharmacies.”

The pharmacy’s top five songs for pain relief:

1. Bridge over troubled water (Simon and Garfunkel

2. Angels (Robbie Williams)

3. Albatross (Fleetwood Mac)

4. Candle in the wind (Elton John)

5. Easy (The Commodores)

Other possible tunes:

1. The Drugs Don’t Work (The Verve)

2. Bad Medicine (Bon Jovi)

3. Everybody Hurts (R.E.M)

4. Feeling Good (Michael Buble)

5. Bitter Pill (Annie Lennox)

Just what the doctor ordered, say fans

The pharmacy’s move into recommending music was welcomed by shoppers and workers.

Neil Laing, of Allesley, said: “I think it’s a good idea. I suffer from back and leg pains and I like listening to music. Recommendations from the pharmacy won’t do any harm.”

His wife Marj added: “I suffer from pains too and I do find listening to music helps, especially anything by Rod Stewart.”

Stephanie Hartopp, a sales assistant at a local butchers, said: “I like listening to music in the morning. It makes me feel good and sets me up for the day. I like anything by Michael Jackson.

“I don’t suffer from any pains but can see how it could help.”

Michael O’Hara, aged 85, of Radford, said: “When it comes to aches and pains, you name it I’ve got it. I’m not into pop music though. I like something smooth from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett. The oldies are the best.”